Class B prices

[cpml]

Have been looking at different Class B RV options for some time and the thing that always turns me off are the prices!! I don't understand how a smaller class B can be more expensive than a larger class A or C. Every time I start this shopping process, I can't rationalize the prices so I don't take the plunge. I've never gotten a believable explanation from the manufacturers. I don't need a larger vehicle rather something more nimble that can tow my boat and keep me dry for a few days at a time. Is there any logical explanation other than the manufacturers considering these as niche / specialty vehicles and thus jack up the prices?

[flaggship1]

All tolerances are tighter - smaller - more compact. You don't have a huge frame to work with. And to some degree supply and demand for small tub / showers, cook tops and refrigerators are not in big demand. Just my initial thoughts on why my 1991 Airstream B Van was $40k when I bought it new. New ones are very nice but not as RV-like as my old one in my opinion and list in the $100k range. But the utility can't be denied. If you want an RV that can double as a 2nd vehicle you can't go wrong.

[ERAtraveler]

Originally Posted by cpml

Have been looking at different Class B RV options for some time and the thing that always turns me off are the prices!! I don't understand how a smaller class B can be more expensive than a larger class A or C. Every time I start this shopping process, I can't rationalize the prices so I don't take the plunge. I've never gotten a believable explanation from the manufacturers. I don't need a larger vehicle rather something more nimble that can tow my boat and keep me dry for a few days at a time. Is there any logical explanation other than the manufacturers considering these as niche / specialty vehicles and thus jack up the prices?

For what it's worth, I recently purchased a Winnebago Era and love it. I can drive and park anywhere because 24 feet is easy.
I have everything I need and like you I didn't want the Class A size. It is expensive but I do not regret my discussion in the least!! When it are ready you will make the right call.

[diepenj]

On the other hand, resale values are much better too. I bought my 2008 Roadtrek in 2010. It had 25K miles on it and I bought it for about 40% less than a new one. I've added about 20K miles and can probably sell it for the same as I paid for it. Of course the price will go down at some point but depreciation is probably not as much as a C.

Your needs might be pretty flexible but I knew how I wanted to use my RV and the B fit those needs better than a C. Bottom eline, either I had to bite the bullet and pay for one or buy something I would never really be happy with. As far as I'm concerned, I made a good choice.

[Goldwing1]

Having been in the automobile for over 30 years selling about anything, the reason is logical.

The class B is more versatile. I use my 2007 Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser for shopping and just about anything. You are not going to the mall, grocery store, etc, driving a Class A or C.

I get 20mpg running around, MB diesel, yeah cost more but do the math. My Explorer gets 16mpg. I would not even consider driving a class A or C to go shopping. Yes the class B takes up two spaces but I enjoy walking an extra 30 feet.

It is the same with an enclosed trailer. A 4x6 used costs just as much as a 5x8 because ANY car, truck, etc., call pull the 4x6. Ex. I could not find a used 4x6 under 1100, but purchased a nice 5x8 for 900.

Also they resell quicker. If you find an A or C that is within the same price range as the B and you like it then pass on the B.

Personally I really prefer my B since the larger ones are not within my plans. I am an ant to the Class A but I can outrun them. LOL

Forgot to mention, all vehicles drop the most in value the 1st year. The 2nd year does not drop as much and so on/

Ex. I purchased a 2007 30k Explorer for 18k when the 2008 came out because the 2006 was only 2k less.